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www.QV500.com - Ferrari F430 Part 2: F430 Spider |
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Six months after launching the original F430, Ferrari presented an open version at the Geneva Salon in March 2005. Known as the F430 Spider, it is mechanically identical to the Coupe with the same 4.3-litre 90° V8 pumping out 483bhp at 8500rpm. The aluminium chassis and bodywork have been strengthened to compensate for removing the roof, two steel roll-bars also being integrated into the windscreen structure to provide maximum protection. The electric hood is fully automatic and folds away under its own flush-fitting tonneau, seven actuators and a clever folding mechanism ensuring the whole process takes less than 20 seconds from start to finish. |
As with the Coupe, the engine itself is attractively set below a glass cover while mesh air-deflectors in the roll-over bars and a flimsy Plexiglass windbreak counteract the effects of wind noise and buffeting. Despite carrying an extra 70kg, the F430 Spider suffers only the slightest drop in performance, 0-62mph taking a tenth of a second longer (now 4.1) while top speed drops from 196 to 193mph. All of the same options are available on the Spider with the exception of Ferrari’s leather-covered roll-cage. |
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